Asian Civilizations and International Law: Some Reflections

The formation of the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL) leads us to ask the question of whether there are unique features of Asian civilizations (Chinese, Indian, Japanese, etc.) that shape the approach of Asian peoples and states to international law. Does each of the civilizations offer a distinct outlook on international law? What kind of surplus meaning can be generated by a civilizational approach that is, insofar as Asian developing countries are concerned, not already articulated by the Third World approaches to international law (TWAIL)? Is any talk of civilizational influences on the approach to international law productive and helpful? Copyright © Asian Journal of International Law 2010.